An innovative device developed by nurses to administer cystic fibrosis treatment to children has been made available across the NHS.
The HydroBubble facilitates bubble positive expiratory pressure (PEP), a crucial form of chest physiotherapy which alleviates the symptoms of cystic fibrosis and other respiratory conditions.
“What an excellent example of health professionals working in collaboration with children and their families alongside healthcare product experts”
Michelle Johnson
The technique involves patients blowing bubbles into water to clear secretions, such as phlegm and sputum, from their lungs.
Traditionally, bubble PEP was administered using single-use one-litre bottles of sterile water and suction tubing. The new device is reusable, cheaper and, its creators claimed, user-friendly and more comfortable for patients.
It was developed by nurses Yasmin Hussaini, Jane White and physiotherapist Naomi Parsons, who work in cystic fibrosis care across South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust and University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust.
The team worked alongside Hydrate for Health chief executive Mark Moran to create HydroBubble from an existing hands-free water bottle the company had made.
After an initial launch across Coventry and Warwickshire in April 2024, the health service announced today (15 August) that HydroBubble is now available for purchase from NHS Supply Chain effective immediately.
This means the device can now be used anywhere in England and Wales.
Ms Hussaini said the traditional methods of bubble PEP were “complex” and “challenging” for use by younger patients without an adult’s help, and welcomed the rollout by NHS Supply Chain.
“The device, which our child patients use twice daily for chest physiotherapy and think is great fun, can be conveniently used indoors, outdoors or on the go,” she said.
“It can also be used by adults and children who suffer with extra secretions, as well as people who have been diagnosed with a chronic lung condition such as COPD and bronchiectasis.”
Ms White, whose own daughter was admitted to hospital with difficulties clearing secretions, said HydroBubble had been used to great effect to treat her.
“[It] helped her to shift the secretions off her chest and it was literally an instant improvement,” said Ms White.
“She said her chest didn’t hurt anymore, and after only 24 hours we were then able to leave hospital and continue her recovery at home.
“She loves it and asks if she can do it all the time. We like having fun with adding glitter and washing up liquid to make even more bubbles and she has no idea she is even doing physiotherapy.”
NHS Supply Chain clinical executive director Michelle Johnson added: “Clinicians at NHS Supply Chain are passionate about driving forward innovative technology and delivering improvements to patients lives.
“HydroBubble is a fun and innovative medical device which supports children to self-manage an aspect of care that is vital in helping them maintain healthy lungs.
“Community children’s nurses have led the way in working with industry specialists to develop a device that meets the needs of children and families.
“What an excellent example of health professionals working in collaboration with children and their families alongside healthcare product experts.”
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